Ali and Harmon should meet without preconditions

On Wednesday the United States (U.S) Ambassador, Ms. Sarah-Ann Lynch met with the Leader of the Opposition Joseph Harmon. In Harmon’s team was Leader of the Alliance for Change Khemraj Ramjattan and shadow minister of foreign affairs Amanza Walton-Desir. It has not escaped attention that Harmon is meeting the U.S Ambassador more than President Irfaan Ali.

The society is aware Ali is refusing to meet Harmon unless the latter publicly recognises the former as president. This is not only unusual but it is not required by the Constitution of Guyana. It is also a first.  It may be opportune to remind members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government that they did not recognise the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government.

The so-called non-recognition did not prevent then Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger from meeting. There were several meetings between the two attending to matters relating to the judiciary, the Guyana Elections Commission. President Granger had even allowed for a team headed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to talk with the PPP/C opposition.

The fact remains there were talks between the leaders of the APNU+AFC and PPP/C. There were also efforts made at examining the system of government in the hope of including all. This is not happening presently with the PPP/C in government. To outsiders looking in and to concern Guyanese, Harmon frequent meetings with the U.S Ambassador and almost non-existent meeting with the Government is not a healthy sign.

President Irfaan Ali and Leader of the Opposition Joseph Harmon should meet without pre-conditions, especially pre-conditions not required by the Constitution of Guyana. It would be good to see the two sides putting aside their political differences and meet for the good of Guyana and all Guyanese.  The majority of Guyanese want this.